Morning stiffness and nightime pain in ankylosing spondylitis. A comparison between enteric-coated and plain naproxen tablets.

Thirty-nine patients with ankylosing spondylitis participated in a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multi-cross-over study with enteric-coated (ECT) and plain (PT) naproxen tablets. The duration of the study was 24 days with 6 treatment periods of 4 days. The majority of the patients were taking 750 mg naproxen daily. The mean plasma concentration of naproxen in the morning was 36% higher with ECT (p < 0.001). No significant differences regarding duration of morning stiffness and night time pain were found in this patient category. The mean duration of morning stiffness was 116 minutes (ECT) and 125 minutes (PT). We were not able to show correlation between plasma concentration of naproxen and duration of morning stiffness.

Physical activity in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic disorders.

A search of the literature in this area shows that there is little national or international documentation available on the effect of physical activity on the development of disease in inflammatory rheumatic disorders. Low capacity for physical work has been demonstrated and is based on poor circulation and reduced muscle strength in rheumatism: several studies from Norway and elsewhere have documented the value of physical training, especially in improving the rheumatic patient's physical condition (1--2, 8). No investigations have been able to document any arrest of progress of the disease, but physical training seems to be able to maintain existing joint function and also to some extent prevent progressive deterioration in condition. There is therefore no disagreement about the significance of physiotherapy, but the intensity and duration of training are more controversial.

Calcinosis in dermatomyositis treated with probenecid.

Childhood dermatomyositis is frequently complicated by deposition of calcium salts in the soft tissues. This calcinosis represents a major problem, as severe disability may result. Various drugs have been tried to dissolve the calcinosis, but the results of these trials are disappointing. In this article we present a case report of a 9-year-old girl treated with probenecid. This treatment led to a dramatic decrease in subcutaneous and intermuscular calcinosis. The authors call for controlled studies of probenecid treatment in calcinosis.

Clinical evaluation of keto profen (Orudis) in rheumatoid arthritis: results of a multi-centre double-blind trial against phenylbutazone.

In a double-blind cross-over trial in rheumatoid arthritis, no difference was found between ketoprofen and phenylbutazone with regard to clinical efficacy at the dosages used. There was a higher incidence of side-effects reported during treatment with phenylbutazone.